When you hear about ‘The Gilis’, a direct response is to consider the three widespread islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These three islands have turn out to be widespread snorkeling, social gathering and rest spots – a getaway from the over-crowded Bali. However, there are extra Gili’s than . In reality, there are 26 totally different Gili’s close to Lombok.
While in Lombok, I did the ‘Secret Gili’s’ tour. While the islands are removed from secret they’re stunning and one thing new to discover with nice marine life, tiny sandbars, and a lunch cease on the shore of a distant island.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY ON LOMBOK
WHERE ARE THE SECRET GILI’S
I stayed in South Lombok for the second a part of my journey, which is an efficient place to be if you wish to go to the ‘Secret Gili’s’ on an island hopping tour. From the principle city in South Kuta, your tour will embody the 1-hour van drive to the port/jump-off spot on your island hopping journey. The Secret Gili’s will be seen on the map under. They are on the west coast of Lombok and never too removed from the shore in any respect!
WHICH COMPANY I DID MY ‘SECRET GILIS’ TOUR WITH
I did my tour with Adventure Divers Lombok. The firm focuses on scuba-diver coaching and journeys round Lombok but in addition provide island-hopping journeys and different excursions. Our total expertise was superb the crew from the second they picked us as much as the minute we have been dropped again that evening on the resort.
The half I appreciated greatest was that there was no rush to depart an island and transfer to the subsequent spot like different excursions I’ve achieved. Our guides simply instructed us to inform them once we have been prepared to depart so we snorkeled for hours.
The journey with Adventure Divers Lombok is 750k Rupiah per individual (Group low cost accessible) together with resort pickup/dropoff. You can contact them to make your reservation by way of whatsapp: +62 813 39336418 (Tell Guillem you got here from my weblog. He’s an excellent man and can take care of you!)
OUR TOUR OF THE ‘SECRET GILIS’
The crew from Adventure Divers Lombok picked us up at our resort in South Kuta and we made our manner north-west in the direction of Lembar. The drive was winding however had some attention-grabbing rice fields and surroundings alongside the journey. When we arrived on the jump-off there have been two outrigger boats ready for us. We tried on our fins, snorkels, and kit after which we have been off.
GILI NANGGU
Our first vacation spot was Gili Nanggu. It was a reasonably quick boat trip to succeed in Gili Nanggu taking about quarter-hour for us to succeed in the white sand of this stunning little island. This was the island for snorkeling our guides instructed us. They weren’t flawed. Beneath the floor, we discovered an abundance of marine life.
Huge colleges of fish surrounded us as they swam out and in of the coral restoration buildings. The reef itself was fairly good however it was the large quantities of fish that made this spot an excellent place for snorkeling. The water readability was good and we had some superior moments free-diving right here on the drop-off of the reef, which you’ll see clearly from drone photographs.
We received out of the water after our first snorkel and our information instructed us to relaxation after which go once more on the opposite facet of the island as this was one of the best snorkeling of the day. The different two stops can be extra for enjoyable and lunch. We ended up having about 2-3 hours on Gili Nanggu. Therefore, if you happen to have been to solely go to one it will positively be Gili Nanggu.
It appeared that there have been lodging to lease on Gili Nanggu however being so near shore, I’m unsure I might counsel it for multiple evening.
GILI TANGKONG
The island subsequent to Gili Nanggu is known as Gili Tangkong. You can discover it by foot if you want however I purely checked this one out from the air. It has some unimaginable coconut tree plantations and huge empty seashores. It really is a virgin paradise island so perhaps it’s higher vacationers don’t go to this one and simply benefit from the views as they cruise previous on the boats!
GILI SUDAK – LUNCH STOP
For lunch, we left Gili Nanggu and took a brief boat journey throughout to Gili Sudak. Here we discovered tables virtually within the water. We would have our enormous group lunch inches away from the shoreline underneath the shade of an attractive tree. It was one of the crucial picturesque lunches I’ve ever had as we seemed out over the ocean in the direction of the mountains.
At the warung (cafe) you can order western dishes or Indonesian. I had Nasi Goreng, a espresso and a coconut. What a mix in paradise. The Secret Gili’s have been turning out to be a soothing technique to spend a day from Lombok.
GILI KEDIS
After our enjoyable lunch at Gili Sudak, it was time for our final cease of the day. The closing island was Gili Kedis, a tiny little island. I questioned if this island was in danger throughout excessive tide. A small shack serving snacks and some timber are all that was constructed on this little island.
Several swings and benches to take a seat on, made this a soothing spot the place you can have a mandatory siesta after lunch. We flew the drones round, frolicked within the solar, and took in our stunning environment.
WHERE TO STAY IN NORTHERN LOMBOK
If you might be visiting points of interest within the north equivalent to Tiu Kelep or Mount Rinjani it’s best to select one of many three lodging within the ‘Northern‘ part under.
- Jeeva Santai Villas – Luxury Villa: Great location on the attractive Mangsit Beach but in addition inside driving distance of Tiu Kelep and Mount Rinjani. It is a location that gives one of the best of each worlds.
- Hakiki Inn Bungalows – Value: Set on the sting of rice fields with the jungle really feel however the consolation of a non-public bungalow.
- Blue Mountain Cottage – Budget (but in addition worth): This is the place I stayed. The room was very primary however it was snug sufficient with a primary non-public lavatory.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF LOMBOK
If you might be staying within the south to benefit from the seashores and surf in Kuta, Lombok it’s best to select one of many three lodging within the ‘Southern‘ part under.
- Harmony Villas – Luxury: The stunning white theme all through the property contrasts in opposition to the emerald inexperienced pool and crops. The villas are laid out impeccably and one of the best half about this 4-star villa is that it truly isn’t as costly because it seems to be.
- Martas Windows – Value/Luxury: This place is extremely stunning. Bungalow-style villas encompass the fashionable pool at this superb property. For lower than $80 an evening, you may get your self what would value lots of of {dollars} in most different international locations at Martas Windows.
- Boogie Hostel Kuta Lombok – Budget: The Boogie Hostel is all the things you ask for in a hostel. It’s tremendous fashionable and clear and has numerous chill areas in addition to lockers on your gear and blinds for privateness at your dorm.
READ MORE OF MY LOMBOK GUIDES
